If a circular saw is bogging down, what should you do first?

When a circular saw is bogging down, it indicates that the blade may not be cutting efficiently or that the saw is under stress. The most logical first step to take is to check the blade condition. A dull, damaged, or inappropriate blade can cause the saw to struggle when cutting. If the blade is not sharp, it requires more power to cut through material, leading to the motor bogging down.

Ensuring the blade is in good condition can resolve the issue before moving on to other potential causes like adjusting the cutting depth or inspecting the power source. Running the saw against concrete could potentially damage the blade and is not a recommended practice for resolving issues with bogging down.